Solar garden lights are far from new, but many garden lights suffer from being very poor in terms of light output. They serve no real practical use, and if you put them along a garden path, your path looks like a pathetic airport runway! So if you are going for the decorative look, how about some Japanese-style solar lanterns to add some artistic flair to your garden.

Rather than use candles in these eco friendly lanterns, you have a AAA battery that is charged by solar power. Candles present a potential fire hazard, so using LEDs makes them a little safer. Sadly the Square Solar Shoji Lanterns only come in 2 colours, bronze or slate. At $36 each, they’re not exactly cheap either. But I bet they look nice!